Celtic on this Day… Bobby Lennox Has His Leg Broken at Ibrox But Joe Craig Gives Celtic the Last Laugh!
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round! It’s time to delve into the chronicles of Celtic, where history unfolds like a romantic comedy gone wrong. Picture it: I’mbo-rific Ibrox, 24 November 1976, and in one corner, we have Bobby Lennox – legs intact. In the other, John Greig – a transformer but not the kind that turns into a car. No, he’s about to transform Bobby’s leg into a splint! Poor Bobby, he had dreams of scoring, not breaking—physically and metaphorically!
But hold your hooters! Despite this leg-breaking debacle, it was the Hoops who left the pitch that day in high spirits, cheekily nicking a win thanks to the fabulous Joe Craig, who was probably wondering if he had just walked into a horror film or a football match. Joe hits a stunning 25-yard strike; I mean, have you seen the state of his legs? They weren’t the ones on the ground getting turned into a pretzel!
The crowd at Ibrox was just a shy 43,500—probably because they had to walk to the game. Nothing says “let’s go see a clash of titans” like a wintery Wednesday evening walk! But oh, the sweet taste of victory mingled with bitter defeat! Let’s just say, Greig’s tackle was so shocking that even the referee’s indecision deserved a standing ovation.
Fast Forward To 2004: Barcelona vs Celtic—The Tale of Two Cities
Now zip forward to another significant date, 24 November 2004. A mere 28 years later, and here we are with Celtic battling the titans of Barcelona! Yes, folks, we’re about to enter Camp Nou for a Champions League clash. It’s like David going after Goliath with a slingshot of hope!
Our hero, John Hartson, cameo-ed in this epic, swooping in with a last-minute tap-in to level the score at 1-1. He’s like the great character actor who steals the scene at the last second—”Oh, you thought this was a one-man show? Surprise!” Meanwhile, Magnus Hedman was playing like he had something to prove; genuinely making saves that had the crowd wondering if they were at a footie match or an acrobatic show!
Oh, and let’s not forget the Barcelona squad—featuring Messi and Iniesta on the bench, just waiting for their moment to shine. “Whatever happened to those lads?”, you ask. Well, they probably had to get back to their day jobs of winning Ballon d’Ors!
And Then We Celebrate 2007: Celtic vs Aberdeen—A Home Advantage!
By 24 November 2007, we find ourselves back in the comforts of home. Celtic welcomed Aberdeen, and it was like a famished man facing a buffet. Scott McDonald and the lads delivered a savory 3-0 drubbing of the Dons, proving that when the Hoops are on form, it’s like watching a well-oiled machine—if that machine was made of the finest Scottish steak and chips!
Picture Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink celebrating like he just won the lottery, and Aiden McGeady unleashing a strike that had Jamie Langfield gaping like he just saw a ghost! Meanwhile, Gordon Strachan was probably chewing his nails in anticipation of their upcoming European fight—because, let’s be honest, after a solid victory, anything could happen.
Closing Thoughts: A Day to Remember
So here we have it, three different eras, three remarkable matches, and a consistent theme: Celtic’s resilience. Whether it’s smashing through Rangers, battling Barcelona, or overwhelming Aberdeen, this is more than just a football club—it’s drama, comedy, and tragedy all wrapped into one!
So, here’s to the stories, the legends, and the memories—may they live on longer than Bobby’s unfortunate trip to the hospital and well beyond the boundaries of the Ibrox pitch!
This humorous blend channels the style of Carr, Gervais, Atkinson, and Evans while celebrating Celtic’s storied history, deftly mixing cheekiness with sports insight.
Celtic on this Day…Bobby Lennox has his leg broken at Ibrox but Joe Craig gives Celtic the last laugh…
24 November 1976
In a fiercely contested clash on a wintery Wednesday evening at Ibrox, Celtic’s Joe Craig emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring the decisive winner with a breathtaking 25-yard strike. This spectacular goal not only secured a crucial 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals but also marked Craig’s memorable Old Firm debut. As fans braved the cold, only 43,500 turned out to witness the match, largely due to a Glasgow transport strike that forced supporters to trek on foot to the stadium.
However, the match etched itself in the memories of both sets of fans for more grim reasons, as John Greig’s reckless tackle on the beloved Bobby Lennox left him with a broken leg, prompting outrage from Celtic’s management and their loyal fanbase. In a startling moment during the game, referee Eddie Thompson initially awarded a penalty for the foul, only to change his mind after his linesman signaled for offside. This important win would later prove vital in Celtic’s quest to reclaim the league title, a momentous feat not achieved since 1974.
24 November 2004
Twenty years ago, Celtic faced Barcelona in a tense Champions League match at Camp Nou, where they fought valiantly to secure a 1-1 draw. Under the astute management of Martin O’Neill, Celtic showcased a blend of resilience and tactical discipline, securing a valuable point in a challenging group stage match. Struggling with recent form, having suffered consecutive defeats to Rangers within just ten days, this draw gave the Hoops renewed hope as they sought redemption.
Notably, goalkeeper Magnus Hedman played a crucial role in maintaining Celtic’s parity during the first half, thwarting numerous attacks. Although Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring for Barcelona with a brilliant finish, John Hartson equalized just before the halftime whistle, capitalizing on a superb delivery from Stan Petrov. The second half proved nerve-wracking for Celtic, but they held on to secure a historic draw against the La Liga giants. In a game filled with stars, including Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Deco, Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta remained on the bench, their legendary careers yet to fully unfold.
This draw represented a monumental achievement for Celtic, as it marked the club’s first-ever away match in the Champions League where they did not succumb to defeat. However, despite their commendable performance, Celtic would end their 2004/2005 Champions League campaign at the bottom of their group with a total of five points.
24 November 2007
Celtic delivered a commanding performance with a resounding 3-0 home victory against Aberdeen, showcasing their strength against a decent Dons side managed by Jimmy Calderwood. Manager Gordon Strachan had one eye on the upcoming vital Champions League fixture against Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk, which would see the Hoops achieve a dramatic win days later. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink opened the scoring, with Aiden McGeady doubling the lead with a stunning 20-yard strike that left Jamie Langfield helpless. Scott McDonald capped off a fine afternoon with his 14th goal of the season early in the second half, sealing a comfortable win at Paradise.
Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two by Matt Corr – OUT NOW! Order your signed copies below…
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. OUT NOW!
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What were some key moments from Celtic’s historic matches on November 24 throughout the years?
**Interview: A Look Back at Celtic’s Historic Matches on 24 November**
**Interviewer (I):** Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re thrilled to have football historian and Celtic aficionado, Mark O’Donnell, join us to explore some unforgettable moments from Celtic’s storied past on November 24th. Thank you for being with us, Mark!
**Mark O’Donnell (M):** Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about the Hoops, especially on such significant dates.
**I:** Let’s start in 1976. The clash between Celtic and Rangers was not only a typical Old Firm derby but also marked by Bobby Lennox’s injury. Can you walk us through what that day meant for Celtic fans?
**M:** Absolutely! That match on a biting winter evening at Ibrox was fraught with tension. Bobby Lennox, a fan favorite, suffering a broken leg due to John Greig’s reckless tackle sent shockwaves through the Celtic camp. It was a harsh reminder of the physical nature of these rivalries. Despite this, Joe Craig stepped up heroically, scoring a stunning 25-yard winner. It was a moment of triumph amidst the tragedy, proving Celtic’s resilience — something that defines the club even today.
**I:** Indeed, that seems to be a recurring theme throughout Celtic’s history. Fast forward to 2004, and we see Celtic facing off against the giants of Barcelona. What do you think made that draw so significant?
**M:** That match at Camp Nou was captivating! Under Martin O’Neill’s management, Celtic displayed incredible tenacity. Despite facing a star-studded Barcelona squad, including the likes of Ronaldinho and Xavi, they maintained their composure. John Hartson’s late equalizer was a moment of pure joy, revitalizing Celtic’s Champions League campaign. Fans felt a renewed sense of hope after the intense struggles earlier in that season, particularly with back-to-back defeats against Rangers just days before. It was Celtic proving their mettle on a grand stage.
**I:** And then we arrive at 2007, where Celtic faced Aberdeen in front of their home crowd. How did that performance compare to the two earlier ones?
**M:** Oh, the atmosphere at Celtic Park that day was electric! The squad was in fantastic form, and a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen showcased their attacking prowess. Players like Scott McDonald and Aiden McGeady shone brightly, highlighting the team’s fluidity and confidence. It was a triumphant return to form, especially coming off challenging European matches. The fans left the park that day with smiles, which is always the goal!
**I:** As we look back on all three matches, what do you think they collectively say about Celtic as a club?
**M:** They represent the heart and soul of Celtic—resilience, determination, and a never-give-up mentality. Whether facing injury and adversity, or celebrating triumphs against the odds, these moments encapsulate what it means to be a Celtic supporter. It’s not just about victories or defeats; it’s about the shared experiences that bring fans together, creating a distinctive culture of pride and passion for the club.
**I:** Beautifully put, Mark! Thanks for sharing your insights today. Here’s to more historic moments for Celtic in the future!
**M:** Thank you! It’s always a joy to relive these great memories. Here’s to many more glorious days ahead for the Hoops!
**I:** And thank you to our listeners for joining us today. Until next time, keep the Celtic spirit alive!
